Drug suspect arrested after hitting wife, child

by Wes Mayer

A man was arrested in south Coweta County Friday when Coweta County Sheriff's Office authorities responded to a family violence call.

Around 5 p.m., deputies and investigators with the sheriff's office arrived at a home on the 100 block of Fincher Road in Moreland, said Lt. Col. Jimmy Yarbrough. Blood was discovered on the front porch and throughout the home when authorities entered, but deputies did not immediately find the victims.

The suspect, Brandon D. Welch, 36, was found getting out of the shower. According to Yarbrough, Welch attacked and struck both his wife and 10-year-old son. His wife was found with severe cuts and bruising to her head and face, and there were bruises around the neck and face of the son.

The call came in from the son, who ran to a neighbor's house to call 911 after Welch wrenched his telephone out of the wall, Yarbrough said.

Investigators also discovered four marijuana plants growing in one of the home's closets, with special lights and equipment. Welch is suspected of growing the marijuana plants as well.

Welch was charged with aggravated battery with hands, feet and fists, child cruelty, simple battery, interfering with calls for emergency assistance, and a violation of Georgia's Controlled Substance Act for the manufacturing and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. He was transported to the Coweta County Jail.